Life and Times of Wafula Chebukati

Nairobi, 

Friday, 21 February, 2025 

McCreadie Andias 

Wafula Chebukati, the former Chairman of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11 PM. His death has sparked condolences from across the political divide while also reigniting discussions about the fate of former IEBC chairpersons.

President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, describing Chebukati as a "principled and diligent leader who served the nation with integrity." In his tribute, Ruto stated, "His death is a great loss to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace."

Born on December 22, 1961, in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, Wafula Chebukati was a member of the Luhya community. Though he spent much of his early life in Bungoma County, his academic journey took him across various institutions in Kenya.

He attended St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School before moving to Bokoli Secondary School and later completing his secondary education at Lenana High School in Nairobi. His passion for law led him to the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1985.

He then attended the Kenya School of Law, gaining admission to the roll of advocates in 1986. Later, in a bid to diversify his expertise, he pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

With a legal career spanning over three decades, Chebukati specialized in international commerce, trade and investment law, corporate governance, environmental law, litigation, maritime law, and labor law. For 20 years, he ran a sole proprietorship law firm before founding Cootow & Associates Advocates in Nairobi in 2006.

He served as the managing partner of the firm until January 2017, when he stepped down to take up his role as IEBC Chairman, adhering to legal requirements to prevent conflicts of interest.

Chebukati briefly ventured into politics in the 2007 general elections, contesting the Saboti parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. However, he lost to Eugene Wamalwa of the Party of National Unity (PNU). Following his defeat, he distanced himself from active politics, resigning from ODM and publicly declaring he had no future interest in elective positions.

Appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017, Chebukati took over as IEBC Chairman, succeeding Ahmed Issack Hassan. His tenure, which ran from January 20, 2017, to January 17, 2023, was marked by historic electoral events and controversies, making him the first IEBC chairperson to complete a full constitutional term.

The 2017 elections, held under his watch, saw President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the winner against opposition leader Raila Odinga. However, the Supreme Court annulled the presidential election due to irregularities, leading to a repeat election in October 2017, which Kenyatta won after Odinga boycotted.

Chebukati’s tenure was tumultuous, marred by internal divisions within the IEBC, the resignation of Commissioner Roselyn Akombe, and the departure of CEO Ezra Chiloba amid opposition protests.

In the August 2022 elections, Chebukati oversaw the declaration of William Ruto as the winner with 50.49% of the vote against Raila Odinga’s 48.85%. However, four IEBC commissioners—later dubbed the "Cherera Four"—publicly rejected the results, citing discrepancies. Despite the political uproar, the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s victory.

This election further polarized opinions about Chebukati. While Ruto’s supporters hailed him as a guardian of democracy, Odinga’s camp accused him of electoral malpractice.

In 2023, President Ruto awarded Chebukati the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), Kenya’s second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service. However, his tenure was not without controversy. Allegations of bias and corruption, including a 2017 claim that his law firm had conflicts of interest, were investigated but ultimately dismissed by Parliament for lack of evidence.

Chebukati maintained a largely private personal life. He was married to Mary Chebukati, who was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) in 2023, succeeding Jane Kiringai.

Away from law and politics, he was an avid golfer, serving as captain and chairman of the Nyali and Mombasa Golf Clubs. He was also an active member of the Kenya Golfing Society.

Following his retirement in January 2023, Chebukati retreated from the public spotlight. Reports in February 2025 indicated that he had been critically ill and admitted to a Nairobi hospital’s ICU, though no official confirmation was given at the time.

His passing on February 20, 2025, at 11 PM has triggered tributes from political leaders, as well as speculation regarding the fate of former IEBC chairs, with some pointing out that several past chairpersons have died within a few years of overseeing elections.

As Kenya reflects on his legacy, Chebukati leaves behind a career marked by legal brilliance, electoral reforms, and the weight of one of the country’s most scrutinized offices. His contributions to Kenya’s electoral history will continue to be debated, but his role in shaping the democratic  process is undeniable.